Isabella Jane Doblas seminar by Emer Mac Hale

As this is my first year in business I am still a newbie to the dog grooming world and as there is endless knowledge of making it in this “dog eat dog industry” (pun intended)of grooming I find it vital to have someone to look up to and to aspire to be as good as if not better. I found my inspiration in Isabellas work and teachings
As soon as I was shown a picture of her work on a pristine white standard poodle I knew I had to go to the then upcoming seminar been held in Collooney Sligo which was only a half hour away from home it made the day a little bit easier having it only down the road as the previous seminars I have attended have been in either Dublin or the north and makes for an extremely long day if you love your sleep like myself.

I got to talk with Isabella while we waited for everyone to arrive and found her very easy going and extremely friendly and bubbly. Seminars overall I find important to mingle and get to know other groomers there’s no nicer feeling been in the company of a room full of people all having the same loves and interests as yourself.

Isabella started on the lovely standard poodle Darla to demonstrate to us how to turn a poodle coat in to a spiral masterpiece I must say she made it look so easy I felt I could leave right away and perfect the look. She chatted while she worked filling us with knowledge as we watched on in awe of her flawless technique. She made me feel comfortable in ways not be afraid to make mistakes and that everything takes practice and a little patience and eventually things will come at ease.

What I liked most Was that she didn’t promote expensive product’s or equipment that’s it’s not the scissors that makes the groom but the person behind the tools and that she washes all her dogs three times the first wash been with diluted original fairy up liquid which I never knew does wonders for lifting dirt grease and killing fleas.

Next she worked on a bichon and I have to say personally my bichon grooms have come on leaps and bounds from watching up close how she done them especially my bichon head and legs. I was always nervous of new clients coming with bichons but now I can’t wait to get them in the door. Even the way I hold a scissors now has improved from watching Isabella work and also the way I stand, this practical advice, although simple sounding will have substantial long-term benefits to me as a groomer on the mind, body and soul.
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Isabella also worked her creative magic on the lovely Maltese mix Zoey this time with colours. Zoey had the most beautiful pinks and purples doggy dye on her legs that really made her stand out. I have had the opawz chalks in my shop and have always wanted to try them but have always been afraid so I asked Isabella how would I go about convincing an owner to let me put some colour in the dogs coat to make them stand out as I groom in the lovely west of Ireland I know I would cause some funny looks and sideways glances and she told me just do it don’t tell them do it and if they don’t like it offer them a free wash in a week time that the chalk washes out. So I done just that I went for it in work and now have people coming back on a regular basis to have the colours put in their dogs coat which I love. its always nice to have something different to do to brighten up your day and watch the colourful tail or ears bounce out the door.

Overall isabellas carefree attitude , friendly face ,and professionalism stood out for me she made me feel comfortable and confident and that I look forward to learning more from her in the future and may even travel to Spain to pay her a vist as she said herself we are all welcome .

Written by:
Emer Mac Hale
Topdogz dog grooming Drumshanbo 

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